EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks was hired as an appeals officer Friday by the NFL and the players’ union.
The former Tampa Bay star, who will be inducted into the hall on Aug. 2, replaces Matt Birk, now the NFL’s director of football development. Brooks will hear player appeals of on-field discipline.
After playing 14 seasons with Tampa Bay and leading the Buccaneers to their only Super Bowl title, Brooks has served as president of the Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League since 2011.
Brooks will join former NFL player and coach Ted Cottrell as the appeals officers.
“Derrick views this game with a very unique understanding as both a player and a team president,” said Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president of football operations. “His review of appeals will be informed by experience as a player and as an executive.”
Brooks was jointly hired by the league and the NFL Players Association.
“We expect he will bring expertise and professionalism to his role as an arbitration officer,” said Jason Belser, the NFLPA senior director of player affairs and development.
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